Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Tide Hosts Top 50 SG

Not only did Alabama score a nice win on Saturday against LSU, it also hosted 4 star 2015 SG Haanif Cheatham. Cheatham is a 6-5, 185 lb guard from Fort Lauderdale Pembroke Pines Charter. It's still early in his recruitment, but Cheatham has already received offers from the likes of Miami, Georgia and Vanderbilt and his stock continues to rise.

Cheatham is killing it so far this season with averages of 25.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg, and 5.4 apg. I've embedded a video below. His game reminds me of Mikhail Torrance.

Here are some quotes from Cheatham about his visit (Source: 247 Sports): “The visit went great. The Alabama staff was very great
with how they treated me. I loved the campus. They showed me everything
I wanted to see. We went to the dorms where the players stay and went
through the athletic department and I got to watch practice.”

“Coach Grant just told me everything about how I would fit in the
style of play that they play. Also the effect I would have on the court
as a freshman. They like me as a combo guard who brings up the ball
against pressure. Also a slasher/scorer when it is needed. I like it. It is the style of play I want to play when I get to college.”

“Cooper and Levi were my hosts. They were telling me how great the
school life at Alabama is. How the coaches respect the players as a
person, but also as a player.”

His thoughts on the game: “It was a great atmosphere. The fans were unbelievable. They were into
it from tip and they showed support to the team. The team played very
hard and competed for the win.”
Another reason why it's important for the fans to show up. Recruits do notice.

According to Cheatham, his mother was also impressed with the campus and the coaches. Cheatham's decision is well into the future, but it looks like Alabama made quite the impression.

With Levi, Coop and Key seniors next year and Retin a RS junior who could decide to try his hand at playing professionally in Europe once he graduates, guard will be a definite need for the 2015 class. Hopefully a guard of Cheatham's caliber remains on the radar.